WHAT YOU GET IN THE CO-OP ACADEMY:
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Registration for the Fall 2018 Co-op Academy has begun.
The Co-op Academy is how we build a strong local economy rooted in democracy and environmental justice … one cooperative at a time.
WHAT IS IT?
It is an intensive 5-month long training and support program that helps teams of aspiring entrepreneurs develop worker-owned green businesses. It is unique in its focus on businesses that are both green and worker-owned. And utilizes an aggressive combination of training, coaching, and technical services. Think of it as a business boot camp for cooperative start-ups The program includes classroom trainings; business coaches; and business support services such as legal incorporation, and access to fair financial services. The course is specifically designed so that each team is able to get their business up and running by the completion of the course.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The Coop Academy is designed for teams working together on a single business concept. It is recommended that each team consist of at least two people and many more can participate in a team. While the Coop Academy is open to anyone, applications from teams with a majority of residents from the Bronx, especially the South Bronx, receive higher priority in the application process.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE ON A TEAM?
You must have have at least one other person on your team, and as many as you want – there’s no maximum number. Each member of your team must complete the application form (see link above or below.)
The application process for the Co-op Academy is highly competitive. We’re looking first and foremost for strong teams with a mix of talents and experience. Keep that in mind when forming your team. And while the Co-op Academy is open to all, we place a special emphasis on teams based in the Bronx.
IS THERE A FEE FOR THE COURSE?
No. The Co-op Academy is offered free of charge! That’s right. Thanks in part to support from the City of New York’s Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative and the Simon Bolivar Foundation, we are able to offer the Co-op Academy at no charge to you.
HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?
It is a 20-week cooperative business intensive. We call it a “boot camp” for cooperative start ups.
The Co-op Academy takes place Monday evenings in the Fall (September-January), and Spring (February-June). In addition to the weekly evening sessions, all participants are expected to meet weekly with their teams and dedicate additional time towards research, interviewing potential customers and partners, and testing their product or service. Participants will also be required to meet occasionally with the teaching team, an assigned mentor, and supporting lawyers.
The Coop Academy is designed to help you and your team launch your cooperative by the completion of the course and grow successfully together.
WHERE IS THE CO-OP ACADEMY HELD?
The Coop Academy is held at our office in the Hunt’s Point section of the Bronx. We’re located at 1231 Lafayette Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY, 10474.
ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS?
There are only four requirements to participate:
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You must have have at least two people on a team (and as many people as you want),
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Each member that applies must be able to commit to the five months of the course,
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You must have a single business concept in mind for you and your team when you apply, and
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Each member of your team must complete the application form.
Note: You do not need to already be in business and you can absolutely be at the idea stage. The Co-op Academy is designed to support teams in the early stages of their business, including the idea stage.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
If you want to build a model green business that you and your community will be proud of, the Co-op Academy can help you do it.
If you really want to launch that dream business, are willing to share ownership and decision-making with your team, and are ready to put in the work in order to make it happen, then apply today.
We offer Early Registration in the months before the application is public. Send an email with the subject “Interest in Early Registration” to outreach@greenworker.coop. We will add you to our list of early registrants and send follow up emails to complete your team’s applications.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER SERVICES OFFERED?
During the Academy, we offer participants simultaneous interpretation for Spanish-only speakers once a year, typically during our Spring course. We are occasionally able to offer childcare on-site (during Academy) when we have the resources to provide it.
Beyond the 5-month Academy course, we offer free workshops on cooperatives for youth and adults, at locations all over the Bronx and Uptown Manhattan. We also offer these workshops at our offices in the Hunt’s Point section of the South Bronx where we can also provide Spanish interpretation if needed and if we have resources.
>> Click Here to Apply <<
Application Deadline: June 30, 2018
Interviews with teams: July 9th – 18th, 2018
Start of Academy/Orientation: September 2018 (date t.b.a.)
Duration of the 2018 Fall Academy: September – January
You can contact us with any questions – talk to our Outreach Coordinator
Ileia Burgos at 718-617-7807 x 704 or outreach@greenworker.coop
